My Workbench

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Navwar Spanish SOL Reina Maria Luisa

The next addition to my Spanish fleet is the Navwar version of the Santa Ana. This model is huge compared to the other brands. The Santa Ana had several sister ships, but due to inconsistencies in construction they were not all the same. The Hermenegildo was a very poor handling ship, yet three of the class became the top ships of the navy: Reina Luisa, Santa Ana, and Principe de Asturias. Since I already have the Langton Santa Ana  built, I have named this Navwar Model the Reina Luisa.

The Reina Luisa was built in Ferrol in 1791. After they laid down the keel in 1790 it was found she was 3-1/2 feet longer than the plans called for. To avoid additional costs to correct the error it was left as is and ended up actually adding to the good performance of the ship. In 1793 she was the flagship of Adm. Langara who joined Adm. Howe to occupy Toulon and later to evacuate the city.

Nominally 112 guns in 1791, by 1805 she carried 124 (threedecks.org). This model has 124 ports/guns, thus my decision to name her Reina Luisa.

Lower Gun Deck30Spanish 36-Pounder
Middle Gun Deck32Spanish 24-Pounder
Upper Gun Deck32Spanish 12-Pounder
Quarterdeck/Forecastle16Spanish 8-Pounder
Quarterdeck/Forecastle4Spanish 24-Pound Obusier
Quarterdeck/Forecastle10Spanish 36-Pound Obusier
Total broadside weight 1519.232 lbs / 646.272 kg

Like all Navwar models this build required scratch built masts and spars. But unlike most, I was able to rework the stock sails for use with some modifications. I am running low on the ratline mesh I like and can't find, so I used a larger mesh that only works for larger ships. In addition, rather than painting her like the historical Spanish Navy standard yellow and blue, I painted her the red, black, and white so popular with gamers. She is so big I could use her as the Santissima Trinidad, but I intend to order the Langton or GHQ version at some future date. Here are the photos.






And Finished









Comparison shots
With Langton Santa Ana



My fleet so far


I always appreciate comments, suggestions, and ideas.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

1:1200 Langton Spanish 74 Gun San Francisco de Asisi

This ship was first posted as the Neptuno. However I have since discovered it doesn't resemble the Montanes class ships (see Design Accuracy Delimma post). I have renamed it the San Francisco de Asisi 74 gun 3rd rate. She was one of the San Augustin class SOLs. The following history is from the excellent Spanish naval website http://www.todoababor.es/index.htm specific page http://www.todoababor.es/listado/navio-sanfranciscodeasis2.htm. Warning: This is a direct translation to English so the syntax may be difficult to understand. Also note that the spanish refer to the SOLs as masculine.
He was an excellent ship in the words of Francisco Saavedra, commissioner for America aboard told him:
·         "The good qualities of the ship Assisi, as yet go wrong charged and not having discovered the funds in six years, ruled well, enduring sailing soon gave himself the sticks, barloventeaba as few tacked by avante promptly and fell gently and was sailing. This vessel, also the St. Augustine and Nepomuceno was the first construction Gotier (sic) and as confession thereof were of the best sailors of the squadron, disabused me that almost everything had clamored against this construction had been influenced by the interest and party spirit. "
Due to its good sailing was used extensively throughout its operational life as a ship hunting or observation.
In June 1779 commanded by Captain Joseph Domas and Valle, Cadiz goes to join the second division of Lt. Gen. Luis de Córdoba, which joins the French Count d'Orvilliers to cover the invasion poyectada England.On July 22, after being dismasted highlighted the Assisi of the masts and mast foretopsail domain mayor.Con English Channel combined squad tries to find and attack the Admiral Hardy unsuccessfully. Not finding the fleet and be affected by scurvy target Brest, where they come September 14.
The May 11, 1781 is in the squad Jose Solano in the conquest of space Pensacola. Return to this fleet to Spain after the war, arriving in Cádiz on July 20.
In 1787 is used for testing other vessels constructed with different building systems to see which was which would be taken into account in future constructions. 
In 1790 part of the squadron of the Marquis of armed Relief consequence of 
Nootka incident .
In 1793 he was in Cartagena commanded by Andrés Heel. corner of Francisco de Borja. Expedition to Sardinia and making the San Antioco and San Pedro islands.
In 1794 commanded by Estanislao and company Sarmiento frigate Santa Catalina I dammed the French privateers English frigate Fame, Bristol and the English brig Indian Prince, who are taken to Cadiz.
Finding the ship San Francisco de Asis, of 74 guns, commanded by Alonso de Torres-Guerra, on January 25, 1797 10 leagues from Cadiz, the fight began at one in the afternoon, lasting until sunset. At eight in the evening were already out of sight enemy ships, consisting of two frigates of 40 guns, one of 34 and a 28 corvette, which were rejected at a loss. The episode was as follows:
·         Source: Gaceta de Madrid of February 7, 1797. Found and transcribed by Everything Babor .
·         "The Acting Captain General of the Department of Navy has realized a Cádiz SM DATE 26 January last, Exc through D. Juan de Langara, Secretary of State and the Office of Marina universal, that on the same day had anchored at the port the ship King named San Francisco de Asis , commanded by Captain of the same class and Don Alonso de Torres War, which having left to cross those nearby to protect its landfall on the coast to our vessels trading, sighted at dawn on the 25th of that month, at a distance of 11 miles in the parallel of that port, following the return of N winds E four ships, which were not enemies and hesitated for early news I had, as its lack of response to signals that made ​​them recognition.
·         These began to chase the Assisi , confident in their sailing advantage and superiority of forces, it very soon became known that consisted of two frigates of 40 guns, one of 34 and a 28 corvette, which at one day were cannon shot, and then said his Spanish flag ship Assisi, already prepared for such an unequal combat.
·         Corresponded enemies casting a their English flags, and they opened fire on Assisi ship, which retreated without intermission until 4, suffering two frigates alternatively the beating shrapnel, he directed his shots with only four rangers rudders both batteries with vividness and accuracy, and from time to time giving one or arribada luff to introduce the side, whose discharges could not resist, forcing them to arrive in such cases for the harm and damages suffered.
·         Separáronse combat frigates at 4, and having consulted together English majors fight again at 4 and a half, and continued until 5 who withdrew.
·         The approach of night, and the situation of being committed to the coast between Huelva and Ayamonte, determined the Commander of Assisi to turn back the E turned to pass through enemy by beating them both bands, but these arrived seeing such a resolution, and were put to flight, they lográndola for the darkness of the night. "
In 1798, close to Neptune, and Sovereign Prince of Asturias, leading troops to America.
In 1799 he was in the squad commanded by José Lorenzo Mazarredo Goicoechea until his death in Brest.Lock Brest.
In 1800 died his commander Brigadier Don Jose Lorenzo de Goicoechea staying temporarily in charge of the command of the second ship, Don Gabriel de Mella.
In 1801 part of the Franco-Spanish fleet of Villaret intended to operate in Santo Domingo. After taking Cabo French and put troops ashore Villaret the Spanish squad going to Havana and thence to Cadiz on 22 April, I anchored on May 25.
In 1802 joins the division Gravina bound for Santo Domingo returning to Cadiz in 1803.
In Trafalgar is commanded by Don Luis Flores. In the battle did not have much action due to its unfavorable position, but suffered 5 killed and 12 wounded. Remediated in the sea part of the breakdowns back out with several Spanish and French ships trying to dam captured by the British, making dam at Santa Ana and Neptune ships. But sinking off the coast of Puerto de Santa María, very strong because of the storm.Although able to save almost all of the crew. Days later collect their remains would achieve several pieces of artillery and ammunition that were deposited in the Arsenal Ratchet.
Dimensions.
- clean Keel: 173 
- Width: 51, 4'' 
- Length: 196, 4'' 
- Depth: 25, 1'' 
- Plan: 25, 8'' 
- Tons: 1,600 
- Cala aft: 24 
- Bow 23 
- Difference: 1 
- Battery Media: 5, 6'' 
- quintals of iron ballast: 4,500 
- In gravel: 1700 
- Destruction: - 

At the Battle of Trafalgar
28 to 24 lb cannons
cannons 30 to 18 pounds
of 8 guns to 8 pounds
10 to 30 pounds shells
6 shells at 24 pounds
4 to 4 pounds of masons 
At the Battle of Trafalgar
- Official War: Army 12 + 5: 17
- Midshipmen 3
- Senior Official 10
- Foremen, guardians and patterns pot 9
- Carpenters 6
- Calafates 8
- Armero diver lamplighter and cook 7
- Infantry Troop 234
- Troop Artillery: 53
- Artillery Preference 12
- Ordinary Gunners: 76
- Mariners: 114
- Grumetes: 112
- Pajes: 23 Total: 684 (CDT)
The May 15, 1800, in Brest
- Marine Officers 9
- Army Officers 4
- Guardiasmarinas 3
- Senior Official 10
- Infantry Troop 216
- Troop Artillery: 45
- Officers Mar 27
- Mar Artillery: 98
- Mariners: 81
- Grumetes: 112
- Pajes 6
- TOTAL: 611











Monday, December 9, 2013

1:1200 Langton Santa Ana 1st Rate 112 Gun SOL

For some obscure reason this ship has taken more than three weeks to complete. At two weeks and three days I finished the ship the first time. Within minutes I was starting to photograph the model and after just one snap an unsecured book fell on it and crushed it. I sat there in shock for several minutes, then came the expletives, and last came the despair. It was unrecoverable. I had to cut away all of the rigging and pull the corkscrewed masts. After sulking for a day, I stole the 3D T&J sail set from my unbuilt Queen Charlotte and started again. I had to clean up the hull and remount it to the base as well. It has taken three days to finish her again with just a few minor changes.

Santa Ana was a 112-gun three-decker ship of the line of the Spanish Navy, built to plans by Romero Landa. She was the prototype and lead ship of the Santa Ana class, also known as los Meregildos, which were built during the following years at Ferrol and Havana and which formed the backbone of the Spanish Navy. The other ships were the Mejicano, Conde de Regia, Salvador del Mundo, Real Carlos, San Hermenegildo, Reina Maria Luisa and Principe de Asturias. Her dimensions were 213.4 Burgos feet long, 58 feet in the beam and a total tonnage of 2,112. She was launched on 28 September 1784 at the Reales Astilleros de Esteiro. She was tested at sea on 28 February 1785 under the captaincy of Felix de Tejada, who reported the test to his commanding officer that the ship "kept the battery in good use even in a fresh wind and heavy seas". The success of the trials led to a royal order that subsequent three-deckers would be built to the same plans.

From 1803 to 1804 she was captained by Dionisio Alcala Galiano. At Trafalgar she was the flagship of Alava and Captained by Jose de Gardoqui. She suffered 97 killed and 141 wounded, with Alava himself seriously wounded, and was captured by the British. However, two days later, a squadron under the command of Commodore Cosmao-Kerjulien succeeded in recapturing her and getting her back to Cadiz.
At the start of the Peninsular War in 1808 she was undergoing repairs at the Arsenal and so could not participate in the capture of the French squadron under Admiral Rosily. She and Principe de Asturias moved to Havana in 1810 to avoid capture by the French and sank in its Aresenal in 1816. In 1834 she could still be seen next to the Principe de Asturias (which had also been sunk) in the mud in front of the Arsenal.

At the time of Trafalgar she had the following armament:
Lower gun deck: 30 x 36 pounders
Middle gun deck: 32 x 24 pounders
Upper gun deck: 32 x 12 pounders
Quarterdeck & Forecastle: 10 x 8 pounders, 10 x 48 pounder obuses (howitzers), 2 x 32 pounder obuses, 6 x 24 pounder obuses.

This adds up to 122 carriage guns, with 28 on the quarterdeck and forecastle. The Langton NS20 Santa Ana model only has 14 guns on the quarterdeck and forecastle, so I am listing these as 8 pounders. 

The next three pictures are examples I used for painting guides. I also used information from the following sites: http://naval.histofig.com/Painting-of-Napoleonic-Spanish.html and http://www.todoababor.es/listado/index.htm an excellent resource for Spanish ships.




The first photo is the only picture of the first build of the model. It was destroyed within seconds of this photo.


The following photos are of the rebuilt ship.











Here is a comparison shot with the Langton 68 gun Dutch 3rd rate DU1.


I hope you have enjoyed this and I always appreciate comments, suggestions and ideas.